A Complete Guide to Enhancing Your Company Holiday Party
The holiday season is a great time to show appreciation for your employees and celebrate the successes of the past year. Through a company holiday party you can boost employee morale, strengthen team bonds, and create lasting memories.
Being in the event business for over 10 years we have seen it all! Below are our top 21 ways to enhance your company holiday party and make it the best event of the year!
1. Have a Unique Venue
Consider hosting your party at a unique location, such as an art gallery, rooftop terrace, or historic venue. A change of scenery can create excitement and make the event feel special.
2. Themed Decorations
Create a festive atmosphere with themed decorations. Consider themes like, winter wonderland, ugly sweater, or even a Christmas Luau! Lighting is a great way to help set the mood and enhance your theme.
3. Event Rentals for Comfort
Invest in quality event rentals like furniture, lounge areas, or table settings. Comfortable seating encourages guests to relax and enjoy the festivities.
4. Signature Cocktails & Mocktails
Design a signature cocktail that reflects your company culture or the holiday spirit. Offer non-alcoholic versions to accommodate all of your guests.
5. Photo Booth Fun
Everybody loves a photo booth with props related to the theme! It’s a great way for employees to let loose and create fun memories together.
6. Interactive Entertainment
Incorporate interactive entertainment that matches your theme. Plan out some activities like a gingerbread building contest, christmas caroling, or gift exchange.
7. Food Stations
Instead of a traditional buffet, consider food stations that offer a variety of options. This could look like a charcuterie board set up or having several types of appetizers available.
8. Live Music or DJ
To help create an upbeat atmosphere, consider hiring a live band or DJ. Music can elevate the mood and get everyone dancing! And don’t forget to rent a dance floor!
9. Holiday Spirit Awards
Recognize employees’ contributions with fun awards. Categories can include “Best Holiday Spirit” or “Most Likely to Bring in the Cookies.”
10. Party Favors
Sending guests home with party favors will give them a way to remember the night! Consider getting party favors that have personalization or company branding.
11. Secret Santa or Gift Exchange
Incorporate a Secret Santa gift exchange or a white elephant gift game to encourage interaction among employees.
12. Charity Component
Consider including a charity element, such as a donation drive or collecting fund to help a local organization. This adds a meaningful aspect to the festivities.
13. Holiday Dessert Bar
Set up a dessert bar with a variety of festive treats, from cookies to cakes. A hot chocolate or coffee station can be a great option to complement the sweet offerings.
14. Event Rentals for Ambiance
Utilize event rentals like draping, lighting, and audio visual to create an ambiance fitting to your theme. These elements can transform the space and enhance the overall experience.
15. Toasts
Invite a speaker to inspire and motivate employees. A toast from the leaders in the company can also express gratitude and set a positive tone for the event.
16. Live Streaming for Remote Employees
If you have remote employees, consider live-streaming the event. If you choose to live-steam, think through a few ways your online employees can be involved. This could include offering some online games, quizzes and polls for them to participate in.
17. Interactive Experiences
Add value to the party by incorporating interactive experiences, like cookie decorating, ornament making or building gingerbread houses.
18. Engage in Team-building Activities
Include team-building activities that promote collaboration and bonding. Activities like holiday trivia, human bingo, and charades are great options.
19. Unique Holiday Entertainment
Consider hiring entertainers like magicians, caricaturists, or dancers to surprise and delight your guests.
20. Flexible or Fun Dress Code
Encourage either a flexible dress code that allows employees to express their personal style or a fun dress code that meets your party theme.
21. Capture the Moments
The memories from your holiday party will not want to be forgotten! Hire a professional photographer or videographer to capture the event. Share these memories with employees afterward to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Use these 21 Ideas to Have the Best Holiday Party!
By implementing these ideas, you can create a memorable Christmas party that employees will look forward to every year! Celebrate the holiday season together, foster connections, and show appreciation for your team’s hard work. Happy holidays!